For non-vegetarians, dining with friends who are can often be something of a nightmare. Blah Blah Blah puts the apprehensive cannibal’s reservations at bay with an adventurous and varied selection of filling dishes.

The Venue
For a restaurant so well known, the initial sight of the interior may be a disappointment to those expecting lavish modern design. But one must be mindful that Blah Blah Blah is recommended for its menu and the interior will grow on you. It’s not exactly the cosiest dining experience and due to the close proximity of others, it is quite possible to earwig on next-door’s conversation about the grilled halloumi. However the music is played at a sociable volume and the various mirrors scattered haphazardly about the place make escape lipstick checks to the toilet a thing of the past. Incidentally, the toilets are noticeably clean.

The Atmosphere
For what it lacks in eye candy, it makes up for in atmosphere. Groups of people enter excitably and rush to a table downstairs providing any newcomer with that heart-warming sense of having discovered something new. This is an ideal place to celebrate a birthday with its BYO policy which dramatically reduces the overall cost. Staff are attentive from start to finish and patiently make enquiries on behalf of fussy eaters.

The Food
The menu at Blah Blah Blah is seasonal and changes every month or so. starters cost in the region of £5.95 and mains £10.95. As a starter, the saffron crespillini here is remarkable. There is always the risk of burning ones tongue on the hot cheeses but the feta, ricotta and pesto were baked lightly enough making the dish burn-proof even for guzzlers like yours truly. Artichoke and chick pea salads are surprisingly large for starters.

All the dishes are flamboyantly composed and arrive at just the right temperature. The presentation of the Risotto Primavera was a particular talking point with a satisfying ratio of asparagus to Parmesan. Other mains on the menu include the coconut-flavoured Indonesian Laksa for those who enjoy sweeter spicier foods, and mushroom and new potato cakes which are soft and perfectly moist. After a filling starter and main, dessert may be out of the question but those who can face it may be partial to the mango cheesecake.

The Drink
The restaurant doesn’t have a drinks licence but tap water is provided if asked for. The BYO policy comes with a £1.50 cork charge which is fair as there aren’t many restaurants that allow such a luxury.

The Last Word
Vegetarian restaurants must go that extra mile in order to cater for loyal meat eaters and Blah Blah Blah does just that. With impeccable service and an atmosphere verging on retro, this inconspicuous European-style hub is a must for people looking to take a special someone or crowd for a boozy, drawn-out evening of fresh, homemade food.

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